From announcements to gift protocol, we have a guide to proper etiquette for every situation.
Graduations are important milestones, marking significant life transitions thatshould be celebrated or recognized.
Maralee McKee is an etiquette expert and manners mentor forThe Etiquette School of America.
Credit: Getty
What Are Graduation Invitations?
Remember that many schools limit the commencement tickets allotted for each student.
Immediate family members and grandparents typically reserve these tickets.
When you send out the invitations, verify you request thatpeople RSVP quickly.
If possible, invite everyone to a graduation party to celebrate together.
What Are Graduation Announcements?
Should You Send a Graduation Gift?
As an announcement receiver, you could always send something to the celebrant.
A gift or a friendly card to surprise the graduate and their family is appropriate.
If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift.
That can make it tricky to know what to give the grad, though.
What’s the Etiquette for Graduation Parties?
Three to four weeks in advance should suffice for local friends and family invitations.
The form of invitation depends on the throw in of party you plan to host.
If it’s a formal to-do, send a more formal invitation.
An email invitation will work for a more casual party like a backyard barbecue.
Just check that less tech-savvy invitees know the party details.
TheEmily Post Institutenotes that high school graduation parties require the student’s friends and family to mingle.
That means the rowdier crowd may need to moderate their behavior.
Are Thank You Notes Necessary?
Graduates should send a hand-written thank you card for every gift received.
The professionals agree that sending e-mails or text messages to express gratitude is inappropriate.
